As the meeting finally broke up, Emma caught my arm. "Alex wants to see any preliminary sketches for the Meridian account. Can you bring them to his office this afternoon?"My stomach clenched. "Why can't you take them?""Because he asked for you specifically." Her expression softened slightly. "Maya, he's fighting for you with the board. Don't make this harder than it needs to be."I nodded stiffly, not trusting myself to speak. First things first: I needed to breathe, to think.The design floor hummed with whispered conversations as I returned to my desk. Faces turned toward me, then quickly away when I met their eyes."Hey," Mark from materials development said, approaching hesitantly. "A bunch of us are going to grab lunch at that new Thai place. Want to join?"Before I could answer, Sophie sauntered over. "Actually, Mark, we're at capacity for the reservation. Maybe next time, Maya?"Her smile oozed false sympathy. I watched as she led Mark away, his backward glance apologetic bu
"What the fuck is this?" I demanded, voice shaking with rage.Alex closed the door behind him, moving slowly as if approaching a cornered animal. "I can explain.""Explain?" I brandished the papers. "Explain why you have surveillance photos of me? Medical records? Financial statements? Were you investigating me or fucking stalking me?""Neither." He ran a hand through his hair, clearly struggling to find the right words. "I was building a case against Daniel.""By digging through my entire life?" The betrayal cut deeper than I wanted to admit. "Without my knowledge or consent?""Maya, please. Let me explain properly.""Fine." I crossed my arms, heart hammering against my ribs. "Explain why the CEO of a major design firm is playing private detective. Explain why you didn't tell me when you hired me that you'd been watching me for god knows how long."Alex sighed, gesturing toward the chairs by the window. "Will you sit? Please?""I'll stand.""Okay." He leaned against his desk, keeping
Day one of unemployment, I stayed in bed until two, wrapped in blankets despite the stuffy heat of my apartment. My phone buzzed constantly—mostly Alex, occasionally Olivia. I ignored them all. Even getting up to pee felt like a monumental achievement.Day two, I moved from bed to couch, upgrading from total paralysis to mindless TV binging while my brain looped through increasingly catastrophic scenarios. I'd never work in design again. I'd have to crawl back to Daniel. I'd lose my apartment. Mami Lulu would end up in some state-run hellhole because I couldn't afford her care.By day three, anxiety had burned away, replaced by a hollow, ringing fury. I paced my small apartment like a caged animal, fingers itching to create, to destroy, to do fucking something besides spin in endless circles of panic."You'll find another job," I told my reflection as I finally showered, hot water turning my skin pink. "You have talent. You have experience. You have—"My phone rang again. Alex's numbe
Despite Olivia's advice, I chose the plain black flats instead of my most intimidating heels. This wasn't about impression or power—it was about dignity and closure. Simple black pants, white blouse, minimal makeup.Thorne Designs looked exactly the same as I approached the building, which felt wrong somehow. My world had imploded, yet the revolving doors still turned, the security desk still buzzed with the same morning energy, the lobby's marble floors still gleamed under soft lighting."Ms. Russo," the receptionist greeted me, surprise evident in her tone. "You're... um... not in the system anymore.""I have a meeting with HR at ten," I said, forcing my voice to remain steady."Oh! Yes, here it is. I'll need to issue a temporary pass." She tapped at her computer, glancing up occasionally as if expecting me to cause another scene.The elevator ride was mercifully empty. I watched the numbers tick upward, breathing deeply to calm the nausea bubbling in my stomach. Tenth floor. HR's d
I arrived at Bistro Lucien twenty minutes early, a habit ingrained from years with Daniel who considered tardiness a personal insult. The lunch crowd hadn't materialized yet, giving me my pick of tables. I chose one by the window—good lighting, clear view of both entrances, easy exit if needed. Old survival instincts die hard."Just water for now," I told the waiter. "I'm waiting for someone."My fingers drummed nervously on the tablecloth as I checked my phone again. No messages from Sarah canceling. No threats from Daniel. No apologies from Alex. Just the time—11:42—and my racing thoughts.Three days had passed since the surprise meeting at Thorne. Three days of vacillating between excitement about Paris and paralyzing fear that it was all some elaborate trap. Three days of Olivia reassuring me that Lumière Gallery was legitimate, prestigious, and—most importantly—financially independent from Thorne Designs."Their connection is purely familial," she'd said, showing me articles and
I thought of his face when I'd confronted him about the investigation—not defensive or angry, but genuinely pained at having hurt me. It didn't excuse what he'd done, but it added a dimension I'd been reluctant to acknowledge."Enough about my brother," Sarah declared, clearly sensing my discomfort. "Let's talk Paris. If you accept the showcase offer, you'd come for eight weeks. We'd provide an apartment, studio space, materials budget, and a stipend."My pulse quickened at the concrete details, making the opportunity real in a way it hadn't been before. "And I'd have complete creative control?""Absolutely. Our role is support, not direction. We help with production resources, technical challenges, and of course, publicity and sales." She leaned forward, eyes bright with excitement. "Maya, your work could be in major European collections by spring. We're talking career-changing exposure."I took a deep breath, allowing myself to imagine it. My name, my vision, recognized international
"That's my ex," I said quietly. "The one I told you about."Sarah's expression hardened. "Want me to stay? I'm pretty good at telling men to fuck off."The offer was tempting, but I'd spent too long hiding behind others' protection. "I'll handle it," I said, gathering my purse. "But thanks.""At least take my number," Sarah insisted, scribbling on the back of another business card. "Call me if you need anything. And I mean anything."I tucked the card away, touched by her concern. "I'll be fine. And Sarah? Thank you for lunch. For everything.""We're not done," she assured me with a smile. "I'm in town for a week, and I intend to convince you about Paris before I leave."I stepped out of the car, straightening my shoulders as I prepared to face Daniel. Sarah waited, engine idling, making sure I reached the sidewalk safely before pulling away with a small wave.Daniel spotted me immediately, pushing off from his car with practiced nonchalance. His eyes flickered to Sarah's departing co
Sarah's business card lay on my kitchen table, mocking me with its elegant simplicity. I'd smoothed out the wrinkles from my earlier breakdown, though the creases remained—permanent reminders of damaged possibilities. My finger traced the embossed lettering as I stared at her number, the phone heavy in my other hand.One call. One fucking call to change the trajectory of my life. All I had to do was say yes.Except I couldn't.The memory of Daniel's video burned behind my eyelids every time I blinked. The way my face had looked on that screen—glassy-eyed, vulnerable, stripped of all defenses. Not just physically naked, but emotionally exposed in a way that made me want to crawl out of my skin.Bali. Our third anniversary. Daniel had surprised me with the trip, playing the devoted husband with such conviction that I'd almost believed we were happy."Just us," he'd whispered on the plane, his fingers tangled possessively in my hair. "No distractions, no work. Just my beautiful wife and
"Yep. Appointed week ago. And get this—Thorne Designs is listed as a 'founding corporate partner' in their draft materials.""Is that so?" I felt a smile forming, the pieces realigning in a more favorable configuration. "And I assume there's considerable overlap between Thorne Designs suppliers and foundation beneficiaries?""Like you wouldn't believe. It's practically incestuous." Harrison popped his gum. "Massive conflict of interest if anyone bothered to look.""Perfect." I drummed my fingers against the table. "Keep the surveillance on the foundation office, but focus on board member interactions. Particularly Rivera and any communication with the Thornes.""You got it, boss." Harrison made finger guns at me, an infantile gesture I ignored. "So what's the play now? Since your boy Thorne is back in town.""We cut her off”"From you," Harrison said bluntly.I shot him a look,"From everything." I corrected it. "Maya believes in fresh starts, clean slates. She thinks she can erase the
Twenty minutes later, the door opened without a knock. Harrison strolled in wearing worn jeans and a leather jacket, looking more like a mechanic than a private investigator. The facility's temporary visitor badge was clipped haphazardly to his collar."Evening, crazy." He dropped into the chair across from me, propping his boots on the edge of my bed. "Nice pajamas.""Get your feet off my bed.""Aren't we touchy tonight." He complied anyway, leaning forward instead. "What's so urgent I had to bribe three night staff to get in here?""Thorne is back in New York."Harrison raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, since noon. You're just finding this out now? I thought you had spies everywhere.""You knew?" The pressure beneath my ribs intensified. The fact that every other person knew before me, and didn’t think it was necessary to tell me was crazy."Course I knew. It's literally my job to know." He pulled out a pack of gum, offering me a piece which I declined with a glare. "Landed at JFK at 8:17 A
DanielThe clock on the wall ran four minutes fast. I'd timed it against my daily medication schedule three weeks ago, but hadn't mentioned it to anyone. Small advantages accumulate.I watched the minute hand tick past our scheduled meeting time. Richard was late. The man billed $850 an hour and had never once been anything but punctual—until today. Unusual. Concerning. Richard's predictability was part of what made him useful—prestigious enough to satisfy the board's expectations, hungry enough to follow instructions without excessive moralizing.The burner Kevin had smuggled in buzzed. I glanced at the camera's blind spot before retrieving it.Message from 5772: Target no longer in Paris. Returned to NY this morning. Package undelivered. Awaiting instructions.I stared at the text, an unfamiliar sensation building beneath my ribs. Something hot and tight that made my fingers clench involuntarily around the phone. He shouldn't be back in New York. Not yet. Not for at least another th
I heard the rustle of fabric as he shoved his jeans and boxers down. Then his fingers were gone, and I felt the head of his cock pressed against me. He paused there, so close to where I needed him."Say it again," he demanded."Fuck me," I repeated, beyond caring how desperate I sounded.“Not convincing enough,” he said, an I could only imagine the stupid smirk he would have on his face.“Pleassee”He pushed in slowly—too slowly—filling me inch by inch until he was all the way inside. We both went still, adjusting to the feeling. His hands gripped my hips hard enough to leave marks, his breathing ragged above me.Then he started to move, building a rhythm that had me clutching at the sheets, face pressed into the mattress to muffle the sounds I couldn't hold back. Each thrust hit perfectly, sending jolts of pleasure up my spine. I pushed back against him, matching his pace, taking him deeper."Harder," I demanded, voice breaking.His grip tightened as he complied, driving into me with
"What is it then, Maya? What exactly do you want from me?" He pushed off from the counter, taking a step toward me. "Because I've been trying to figure it out since the moment we met, and I'm still fucking clueless.""I just want you to treat me like an equal!" I shot back. "Not some fragile thing you need to protect!""When have I ever treated you as anything less?""You make decisions about my life without consulting me!""What decisions?" He threw up his hands. "Name one actual decision I've made for you.""You—" I faltered, searching for concrete examples. "You decided I couldn't handle knowing why you were going to Milan.""I decided to handle a situation quietly before dumping more problems on you." He took another step closer. "You're fighting a war on multiple fronts. Your parents. The foundation. The board. I thought I could deal with one thing without adding to your plate.""That's not your call to make!""Fine!" His voice was sharp now. "You want to know? Daniel's been havi
"Okay."I hung up before my voice could betray me. For a second I just stood there, phone in hand, heart doing this stupid fluttery thing I hated. Pathetic. Not even twenty-four hours after walking out, one call and I'm jumping.Except I wasn't jumping. I was going over there to tell him exactly what I thought. That's all.I cranked the shower too hot and stepped in anyway, feeling my skin flush red. The bathroom mirror caught my reflection as I toweled off. Christ, I looked wrecked, and I needed sleep.But at least, I need to know what he had to say.I yanked on jeans and grabbed the first sweater my hand could find. My wet hair dripped cold trails down my neck as I half-heartedly (At least that was what I told myself) dragged a brush through it, catching on knots I didn't have patience to work out.My phone lit up with a text from Olivia about Henderson and a 9AM meeting. I glanced at it, exhaled sharply, and tossed the phone in my bag. The car keys dug into my palm as I headed for t
The drive home was a blur. I found myself sitting in my parking garage with no memory of the actual journey, which probably meant I shouldn't have been driving. Great. Another stellar decision from Maya Vega, totally-in-control. What a joke.My apartment felt alien somehow. I dropped my bag on the counter and froze when my eyes landed on the couch. The cushions still showed faint indentations where Alex had fucked me senseless just days ago. I could almost feel his weight on top of me, his fingers digging into my hips hard enough to bruise, his cock driving into me as I begged him not to stop. The memory was so vivid I felt my body responding—my nipples hardening beneath my shirt, and heat pooling between my legs.I tore my eyes away and yanked open the refrigerator, as if cold air could somehow extinguish the flash of desire. Inside was pathetic—condiments, a withered apple, half a bottle of white wine from that night. The same bottle he'd brought over before everything fell apart. I
"What leverage could they possibly have on Chen?" I asked, focusing on the immediate problem to avoid the bottomless pit of other thoughts waiting to swallow me. "She's been with Russo Designs for twenty years. She despises my father.""Well…they wouldn't approach her without ammunition," Grandfather said. "Your parents are opportunistic, not stupid."I stopped at the window, pushing the curtain aside to peer at the garden below. The rosebushes needed pruning. Grandfather was letting things slip. Another small sign of his decline he thought I hadn't noticed."Something about the foundation," I said finally. "That's what they've been focusing on.""The Henderson grant application," Olivia suggested, looking up from her laptop. "Your father's golfing buddy chairs th
MayaI'd forgotten how much I hated Grandfather's study. The room felt like it was actively trying to swallow me—dark wood paneling soaking up what little sunlight filtered through heavy curtains, leather chairs too deep for my frame, bookshelves stuffed with volumes nobody had opened in decades. The air still had that perpetual smell of cigars even though I had never seen grandfather smoke."They've approached Whitcomb," Grandfather said, tossing a handwritten note across his massive desk. Not photographs. Not dramatic surveillance. Just his spidery handwriting on Russo Designs stationery showing the result of one phone call to a secretary who'd worked for him for thirty years and still treated him like God despite his "retirement."I picked it up, trying to focus on the words while my brain kept circling back to the same useless